Sunshine Coast startup Buddy Australia has secured a partnership with Uber, integrating the ride-sharing giant’s technology into its platform just in time for its expansion to Melbourne.

Founded about three years ago, Buddy secured $320,000 in early seed funding, and a further $1.8 million in 2017, to develop its personalised restaurant deals app.

However, founder Danny Simmonds tells StartupSmart it took two-and-a-half years to get the product to a point where it’s up and trading.

“There have been a lot of growing pains,” he says.

“It’s been intense. It’s been hard work.”

Buddy has launched in the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane, but 2019 is “the big year we’ve been gearing up for”, with Buddy set to launch in Melbourne.

With the majority of its 2017 funding still in the bank, Buddy has been “ironing out the creases in the tech”, Simmonds says.

Before expanding on a national scale the founder wanted to implement updates to the app, and make sure the company structure was right, he adds.

The startup is also about to move into a new warehouse HQ and hire additional staff.

“I wanted to collate our own in-house community, and boost up the culture in the company,” Simmonds says.

Currently, Buddy has 50 paying restaurant clients on board, and a total headcount of 12 people.

Simmonds doesn’t reveal Buddy’s revenue figures, but suggests that, based on growth over the past six months, the startup could be seeing annual revenue of over $1 million within the next two years.

“In five years’ time, we want to be one of the most-used restaurant-discovery apps,” he says.

“The company is formed of the industry … a bunch of collective former restaurateurs came together to build this platform, because we know what the industry is missing,” he adds.

“We’re fully confident in the future.”

Integrating Uber

In its most recent app update, Buddy has launched its partnership with global ridesharing giant Uber. Restaurants can add a module to their business profile, allowing app users to book a ride straight to the door at a discounted rate.

The pairing comes from an affiliate partnership with Uber, through an open API, Simmonds says. Apps can integrate Uber’s software, Simmonds says, but there are a lot of boxes to tick.

“Obviously, they won’t let anyone do it,” he adds.

“We passed the criteria, which is exciting.”

For Buddy to be able to launch in Melbourne with this new capability is “an amazing boost to be honest,” Simmonds says.

“To be able to market yourself next to such a world-renowned brand.”

The partnership brings an element of credibility to the platform, and helps secure trust from consumers, he adds.

That said, it’s still just a small part of a bigger picture.

“It’s just another stepping stone for us for our vision … our vision is long term,” Simmonds says.

“But it’s another string to our bow.”

Currently, Buddy isn’t looking to raise any more funding, but Simmonds hasn’t written the idea off altogether.

He’s planning on developing the business in the Australian market for the time being, and “we can carry that ourselves”, he says.

“If we start looking into overseas or expanding markets we might have to look for funding,” he adds.

“But now we’re just taking each day as it comes, working with customers and working on the product.”

“You just need a good mouth”

When it comes to launching a startup, Simmonds’ advice is to avoid dwelling on your idea for too long and just crack on.

“Don’t ponder on anything. If you have an idea, you don’t need a lot of money to get it started, you just need a good mouth” he says.

“Sell your product, sell your idea, and if you get good feedback, just go all in. Just start,” he adds.

“What comes with starting is opportunity. Doors open that you wouldn’t have normally seen open.”

However, once you’re on your way, patience is a virtue. Success doesn’t come overnight, Simmonds says.

“The reality is it’s a 10-year timeline, and that’s if you do make it,” he warns.

Founders should be prepared for a long journey, and to make sacrifices.

“But hold on in there, believe in yourself,” Simmonds advises.

“Don’t worry about what everybody else thinks, focus on yourself, and what you believe in.”

New ‘order ahead’ feature will save waiting for your favourite bites to eat, so you can get straight back to the beach!

Okay, so you are down the beach and loving life, but you decide you are getting a little hungry. Imagine having the ability to pull out your device and search epic places around you to pre-order your favourite burger, healthy salad or fish and chips!

Buddy has started to implement new updates and collaborations to create the opportunity for hungry users to ‘Get a life’ by saving waiting times on food orders so you can get straight back to what you were doing, living life.

How?

You will have the ability to order your cravings right away and pay in the buddy app. Buddy will then notify you when it has been processed and ready for pickup! Simple!

With these epic new features soon to be rolled out, just proves that the company is always striving to deliver and build the best platform for users when it comes to food and drinks!

Buddy already offers ‘first to market’ technology which is being swallowed up by restaurants. Such as the introduction of the ‘Beacon’ which broadcasts special promotions to buddy users when in and around the vicinity of the restaurant. Buddy also has created the ability for restaurants to create their own community of followers for their business profile. Users can follow favourite places to receive exclusive announcements of specials, happy hours and up and coming events before you even see it in a social media scroll.

Why?

The culture of today is fast, very fast. We as hungry foodies don’t want to wait up to half an hour for food, especially if you are down the beach or you are on your lunch break and only have an hour to spare.

Buddy aims to revolutionise mobile ordering, but most importantly the connectivity between the customer and the restaurant with live announcements. Why stand in a line and wait to be served, then stand in another line to wait again for your coffee or takeaway order.

When you can beat all that with buddy.

With partnerships being negotiated with major sports arenas, buddy does not stop with just the hospitality industry. The company aims to change the ‘live sports experience’ to new levels with the updates soon to be rolled out.

Imagine watching your beloved sports team live at the MCG, but your stomach is going crazy and the queues at the food stands are outrageous. What if you could order your food and beer and then simply get notified that your order is ready for pickup! Making the process from pick up to seat in less than 2 minutes flat, so you can get straight back to the match.

“We built buddy to showcase our restaurants, eateries, bars and cafes to the best of our ability”. Danny Simmonds was standing proud as he explains what the buddy app can do for the food and beverage industry here in Australia.

Channel 9 New feature here;

When the Channel 9 news featured the article the team at buddy has not stopped receiving huge amounts of inquiries about the app, with questions such as how can businesses jump and board and also when will the app be released in Brisbane.

Well it is safe to say after the App has been trialed on the Sunshine Coast, the company is now making strategic plans to roll out the buddy app across Brisbane from next month.

“We will be using Brisbane as our case study” Danny Said, “We will be making Brisbane Australia’s first ‘Smart City’ by locating over 100 of our Beacons to connect the physical world to the digital world” he said proudly.

The buddy app provides restaurants and bars the ability to purchase a Beacon for their business profile, the business can then create automated push- notifications to buddy users alerting them of that venues specials, happy hours or events as you walk right by the front door. The app also will alert users when stepping off a train or bus letting them know of the top 5 places to go for coffee in that area.

The buddy app has much more features to enjoy such as following new places in the app for exclusive updates and also viewing itemised menu’s, specials and reviews.

That’s right! Ireland is back in Noosa and it’s called Cornerstone Pub.

We dropped into the latest bar and restaurant to join the buddy app, Cornerstone Pub (formerly Sogo’s) in the much loved Noosa Junction.

You cannot miss the epic spot as it really is the Cornerstone of the Junction! Taking up the entire corner of possibly the most up and coming area in Noosa.

We met with Abby, Abby is one of a few family members who have come together to help put the ‘Pub’ scene back on the map in the town.

So they did! Once they knew the deal was done and the family can move in, the first priority was to give some much needed love back into the venue and transform this Irish relic into a much brighter and spacious place for all of us to enjoy.

The family did not just stop their, they gave Cornerstone a much needed cosmetic makeover, an abundance of time and energy went into revamping the all day menu (don’t worry, they kept some classics like the crowd favourite Guinness Pie) YUM!

The awesome family of restaurateurs also introduced Live Music on a regular basis, making sure the locals and tourists have a live gig to enjoy every Friday and Saturday nights.

Having recently held The World Cup Live on screen, proved the new bigger and better big screen and epic surround sound system proved a game changer for the fresh new Irish Icon.

They even have a new pool table! Now if you are anything like us we’d be sticking a coin on that bad boy for sure!

Cornerstone has a fantastic selection of icy cold beers, twelve seriously good beers mostly local brewery’s and some Aussie fav’s! Cornerstone also have created a brand new wine list & some talented shakers behind the bar you’re sure to be satisfied.

The Family really work hard and aim to keep everything as affordable as possible as we know how expensive dining out can be.

Weekdays you’ll receive a burger and beer for just $10 (2-5pm) or feast on our 3 course meal for $25!! The latest addition being breakfast from 8am! make sure you get in their for a big breaky situation.

The ‘Hours of Happiness’ commence everyday from 3.30pm through til 5.30pm where all of their already ridiculously cheap schooners get even cheaper! They really know what the locals love, a bloody good deal!

If you haven’t already, pop into the newly born Irish Cornerstone to try out the epic deals, food and beer!

Not to mention the ‘Free Drink’ Deal which they have live right now on the buddy app when you by a main meal!

Yes! Thats right! Larder & Baked have now joined buddy to showcase everything they do and also offer special deals to their buddy Followers!

Larder & Baked have been open for no more than 6 months and have quickly become a local favourite! This doesn’t surprise us, as they know exactly what they are doing and what the community needs. Carly and Dan Baum have been learning their trade locally for many years and it really shows.

Carly & Dan Baum | Owners of Larder & Baked

Hospitality Industry

It all began for Carly at a very young age when she became hungry for work. At just 12 years old she decided to take it upon herself to go job hunting, but this was no ordinary job hunt. As Carly, if you have met her, being a very strong, bubbly and humorous character decided to create a ‘little white lie’ and told potential employers she was 14 “Back then, after all it was an extra 45c an hour!” Carly said. It’s clear the foundation was being laid very early for a very hard working, driven and successful individual.

Now in their 30’s and with two kids, they hold their heads high as two successful entrepreneurs with a stream of businesses in the hospitality sector. Carly, with all her passion and knowledge of the industry, also runs a successful wedding Business. This involves planning, styling and of course the catering in which Dan looks after using the Larder & Baked kitchen facilities after hours.

Larder & Baked

The birth of Larder & Baked was on Valentines Day, but unfortunately it wasn’t a romantic one for Carly and Dan as they were thrown in the deep end with endless curious customers. Having only spoken to a few passers by during the reno’s of Larder & Baked, they found themselves overflowing with people right off the bat. Carly and Dan weren’t expecting such an amazing response so instantly.

Larder & Baked are exactly what the community needed. A fast, fresh and easy takeaway option that serves great coffee till late in the day. (Satisfying those 3pm cravings). It wasn’t long until they were dragging in tables and chairs as it became on high demand for people to enjoy their lunch breaks from all around the area.

They have a wonderful selection of Fresh hearty salads at affordable prices. Epic Egg Rolls with different choices of fillings to satisfy all taste buds and a selection of mouthwatering baked goods prepared daily. Larder & Baked are now the go-to spot for breakfast, lunch or even that mid afternoon ‘smoko’ break for a coffee and sugar hit to top you up and get you through the end of the day! It truly is exactly what the community needed and that is down to Carly and Dan’s expertise. “We really wanted to solve the issue of grabbing a healthy bite to eat at any time of the day” Carly said, “Tradies really care about what they put in their bodies, these boys can only grab fast unhealthy things around town, especially after 1pm”. “so we knew what was missing, not only for tradies but for literally everyone in and around the Noosa Junction”.

Having proven their idea a huge success, Larder & Baked are now a huge part of the ‘JUNGA’ community, and they are here to stay.

Now a proud member of the buddy community, Larder & Baked can showcase everything they do best, to their very own community of loyal followers on their buddy Profile. By following Larder & Baked you gain access to exclusive information regarding daily specials, invites to private functions, menu launches, special deals & much more via exclusive in-app notifications.

We popped into Bombetta to over indulge, eat epic prawns, smash sensational house made pizza and dribble in choco drooling deliciousness.

Yep! We did and it was awesome! Owner Pascal “Paz” Turschwell welcomed us with a huge smile, invited us over to the table and couldn’t wait to tell us about his beloved Bombetta and what it stands for. Loud and proud he was showing us his epic bar & restaurant whilst talking with passion about his food, wine selections and the industry.

The decor is perfect for the cosmopolitan vibe the ‘New Noosa Junction’ is becoming. With a huge featured matte black wine rack, polished concrete floors, copper splash back in the bar, industrial but chic service area compact with a ‘Naughty corner’ for the naughty customers! Bombetta is by far one of the best looking bars on the Sunshine Coast!

The Food

The Food! Well where do we begin… We recommend starting small and finishing BIG, with the ‘Split Grilled Prawns’ to start the vibe off right. These bad boys are so tasty they leave you wanting more. Dripping in lemon and seasoned w/ chilli and oregano, these big prawn gangsters will vibe up your pallet and set the bar high for the next brawl.

The Split Prawns

‘The Bombetta’s‘, Okay so seriously no BS these little balls of fireworks did not last long at all. So let me explain, to start off they are Veal and Pork marinated for hours in thyme and rosemary. Then they move onto the next stage, ‘the wrapping of the Bombetta’s’. Wrapped with Prosciutto and filled with provolone and taleggio! These rude boys then get garnished up with shaved lemon zest and parmesan cheese. (I know , I know its ridiculously ridiculous!)

The Bombetta’s

At this point in our lives we decided enough is enough and popped open (not the champagne) but our top buttons to open our appetite up for more. Next comes out the outrageously delicious “Italian Stallion”. This pukka pizza was mouthwateringly fresh, light but packed a tasty punch like Balboa. This golden round medallion is loaded with goodies, starting with sharp Mascarpone Cheese, Parmigano Reggiano with confit garlic! Topped with soft artichoke and our fan favourite ‘fresh sliced prosciutto, lemon oil, wild rocket and in house dried chilli flakes! This Pizza is another level completely. (Secret socials – Similar Pizza’s are going for just $6!)

The Italian Stallion Pizza

It all started for Paz in the mid 1970’s when he was fast asleep in his pushchair in the backyard of his family’s restaurant at no more than 2 years old. “For as long as I can remember the family has always had its own restaurant. The first one was actually the first ‘outdoor’ dining restaurant in Queensland” he said, which was located where Miss Moneypenny’s is located today.

His family then after running the first European infused restaurant in Noosa for nearly a decade, decided to re-locate and open up a new place called Gaston’s in Sunshine Beach, same location as to where Sum Yung Guy’s is today.

Paz comes from a French heritage, when he was only a young boy his family nicknamed him ‘Gaston’. Keeping it in the family they then decided to call the family restaurant Gaston’s after their young Son, Paz.

For years Paz was working day and night for his family business before reaching a point in his late teens, where he then decided to pack his bags and move to Melbourne in the 90’s to join the food culture scene growing in Melbourne. After a number of years he had grew into an industry dynamo. Growing and building amazing restaurants such as EZARD, now a multi award winning restaurant globally recognised.

After five years of working and learning, Paz decided to re-locate back to Noosa and bring his abundance of experience and knowledge to his small beach town home.

Millenium

After settling back in Noosa, Paz and his wife Kristie Turschwell decided to run and manage a restaurant called Ricky’s. Paz had managed it for a number of years before going into joint partnership and owning it.

After four years the family then decided to have a family business of their own. With a young daughter only 3 years old they needed and wanted something to call completely their own. Keeping the family traditions close to his heart, Paz and Kristie decided to open up ‘Gaston’ on Hastings Street, Noosa Heads in 2005.

During the infant stage of the business they hit a rough period thanks to the Global Financial Crisis. But with their determination and hard work as always, the Turchwell’s pushed on and got through it, to then establish a local and tourists favourite for many years to come.

Today.

The Turchwell Family tradition still runs deep in Noosa, owning yet again another established restaurant in one of the most popular up and coming locations in the Noosa Shire, Noosa Junction -‘Bombetta‘.

Since selling up Gaston Paz & Co have not looked back, with only a move forward attitude and the same drive, its no wonder after generation to generation this awesome family goes from strength to strength. With Paz and Kristie’s daughters now 11 and 12, it’s not long until the girls will be following in their fathers footsteps and serving locals before they know it! (If Dad has his way)

The future generation | Zara & Anais with daddy (Paz)

It’s an honour to have Bombetta a part of our buddy Community.

You can pop into Bombetta everyday (Except Sundays) and we can guarantee you will not be disappointed. They have a fantastic afternoon scret social’s special Mon-Saturday between 3-6pm with bar snack menu items and beers starting from as little as $5! Not only that but they have an amazing takeaway Pizza/Pasta deal, Tuesday night social’s, a weekly magician and much more!

Since Launching last month, Restaurant businesses are going nuts about our Beacons!

One of many reasons why restaurant businesses are joining buddy is to use the very latest tech to showcase their epic eateries. Our Low Powered bluetooth Beacons are sending out automated in-app notifications to all buddy users who walk by the front door!

Business owners can create and send whatever promotional notifications they wish, which will then broadcast all day every day to every buddy user’s device as they walk right by. Some businesses are being extra clever with their Beacon, one of which has decided to locate it “inside” the establishment so the Beacon will send out automated push notifications to their diners. What the Beacon can do is super futuristic, it can measure how long the average user will spend in the restaurant. They can then send out a push asking them if they wish to see the dessert menu, or maybe see if they want another beverage. Bringing up links to menu’s and much more.

Buddy Beacon™

We welcome 97 of our restaurant partners who have already jumped on the Beacon Tech, some of which include, Eddie Cheeba’s, Cafe Le Monde, El Capitano, Coconut Head, Downtown Burger franchise, Global Cafe & Bar, Nando’s Australia and many more jumping on around Australia! Congratulations on joining the buddy community.

DownTown Burgers are now in Ocean Street Maroochydore, Sunshine Coast! We popped in to say hi to one of our partners!

Once we heard Downtown Burgers had opened up another burger joint we knew we had to go! From humble beginnings in Nambour, restaurateur Cameron Scott & Co have now opened their THIRD burger haven on Ocean Street, Maroochydore.

The “Downtown Burger” (Soooooo gooooood)

Everything these legends do is original. From gathering friends together to create an epic team, supporting the local community with job creation, inventing delicious burgers from scratch to even baking their own buns! This crew does nothing by half measure.

We wanted to pick Cameron Scott’s brain and ask him how and why he decided to get into the industry in the first place. He tells us his humble story when our Founder Danny Simmonds popped in for a chat.

Cameron is a local lad from Nambour who packed his bags and headed to Melbourne from a young age to learn his trade. Having worked for multiple restaurant groups and franchises, Cameron decided after over four years, to head back home and start his own dream. Cameron during his spell in Melbourne worked with some of the largest food franchise company’s in Australia including Boost Juice. Adding many strings to his bow he headed back to his home town to put his lessons to practice, with his very own burger restaurant, now Downtown Burgers.

“Why did you decide to come home and start your own business?” we asked, “well I come from a poor but humble family beginning, so I believe that bringing what I had learnt back with me I could try and support my family and hire a bunch of my close friends to try and support my local community” he said. “Starting a business in your home town is always a good start, as family and friends support always helps”.

As Downtown Burgers became extremely busy Cameron quickly realised that he can do even more for his community, creating more job security for locals and friends. So he decided to round up more mates to get the paint brushes back out and start another one! “All I really want is to provide a good living for my friends and family, create delicious food for everyone to enjoy and have a lot of fun along the way” Cameron said.

Downtown Burgers now has over thirty members of staff and keeps the hunger at bay to thousands of locals every week. Especially when they provide an epic $13 lunch deal (Burger, chips and a drink).

We loved Downtown Burgers so much and everything they do! From the fit out, the friendly staff, the vibe, and not to mention the mouth watering burgers… its no wonder its a locals favourite in more than one town.

Next time you decide to head out for a burger, head Downtown and support local business in the tastiest way possible. They even go one extra step and provide a Free chips deal when you spend at any other shop on Ocean Street! Legends.

You can Follow Downtown Burgers on the Buddy App right now by selecting the logo below;

To Discover more bars/restaurants in our community, Download the buddy app now and begin to Discover Places Better with buddy.

Have the ability to search and discover endless happy hours and daily specials in Noosa on buddy.

If you are a local or a tourist, we only have the best places in town on our app, with a deal!

Having launched only two weeks ago, our app has been populated by businesses wanting to showcase their daily specials and happy hours on our platform, so you don’t have to walk up and down the street ten times reading chalk board frames, guessing what the special or deal looks like!

Well right now in buddy we have hundreds of daily specials and happy hours happing for breakfast, lunch and dinner!

Padstows has a number of special’s and deals, such as the Wednesday Dinner Special, which is two mains and a bottle of wine for only $55! They also do afternoon happy hour specials to start the afternoon off early! Currently on Monday’s Padstows are offering an awesome Winter sensational $25 Mussel Mondays! Which is a yummy bowel of pan fried mussels, a glass of wine, ciabatta and chips!

Bombetta located in the Noosa Junction really knows how to put on a crowed pleaser! with day after day of endless specials, entertainment with magicians, “secret social’s” which involves a menu full of $5 items to indulge on the afternoons. Bombetta even provides a deal for customers who do not wish to pop in, you can by any 3, Pizza/Pasta or any 2 Pizza/pasta +2 sides for $40!!

If there is any cafe or restaurant that is perfect for Noosa 10 hastings has to be up there! Open almost all day every day all year round, this places knows how to provide excellent service to the community, with coffee specials, lunch and dinner specials never ending. But for afternoons on the bustling Hasting Street, you can grab a seat and enjoy a wonderful selection of tapas dishes with friends for only $10! Everyday between 3-5pm you can dive right in with an Estrella Lager for only $5!! I think we can do this literally every single day.

2. Global Cafe Noosaville

Located just of the Noosa River, Global Bar & Cafe has been dishing up the goods for over 30 year!! It’s serves up an awesome breakfast, with a small bar menu at night fo a relaxed tropical vibe. Well these legends are serving up Free Beer! Yep, no BS you can get a Free Beer at global on every Pizza Purchased! Wether you are having take away or dinning in, Global will pore you an ice cold free beer while you wait fro your pizza’s to be made! We got 5 take away pizza’s last week and had to call a cab to get us home. #doit.

The Iconic Cafe Le Monde on Hasting Street is dealing up the deals on buddy this week! With $1 Oysters and live entertainment every Thursday, these guys know how to put on a show. Happy hour deal menu full of cheap eats and drinks to indulge in for no more than $10 between 4 & 5pm, Dj’s every Saturday Night from 8! If thats not even enough, Cafe Le Monde do a Lamb shoulder dinner for two with wine $69 Sun – Thurs from 5pm!!

See more Deals & Specials on our App right now.

Download Now

https://buddy.world/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/34859901_1147400828746578_2973943026285543424_n.jpg517750Buddy Australiahttps://buddy.world/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Buddy-Logo-1030x504.pngBuddy Australia2018-07-16 00:40:532018-07-16 06:22:44Five of the very best specials & deals on buddy right now.

Restaurants across South East Queensland jump on latest food discovery App Buddy!

Since launching last week, Our app has taken an uncontrollable amount of enquiries, questions and business listing creations on the app.

For years frustrated restaurateurs have fallen to the control of online review websites and apps. This has now finally come to an end as the restaurant industry has come together as a community to take control, to put themselves first and create a revolutionary app the industry can be proud of. A platform they can officially call their own.

With no method what so ever for eateries to showcase themselves to the maximum, no ability to push out exclusive special promotions or show off their creative daily specials, its no wonder the buddy app has taken off, right off!

Hundreds of small business owners love the idea of having complete control of their digital presence, love the idea of having live analytics of views, customers and followers, owners can even create a specials board for all to see on their business profile, send out exclusive announcements via ‘push notifications’ to all their followers and heeps more crazy epic features!

With some of the most popular eateries in and around Noosa already on the app, buddy has received thousands of downloads already and counting, lets just say “buddy” is the buzz word of the town right now!

“Starting in the town I live in was always going to be exciting” Danny said, “but to receive enormous enquires from Melbourne and the majority of Victoria is also very exciting, we are working tirelessly with small business owners to help create their business profiles to be ready for launch by Christmas down there” he said. “what this will do for small towns like us across the country, will bring thousands of buddy users in to their cafe’s & restaurants to enjoy searching and popping in for a bite”.

Users Can enjoy searching daily Lunch & Dinner specials, endless happy hours and follow new favourite places within the buddy app, giving business owners the opportunity to send exclusive deals and event updates right to their mobile device! Thats only one of many features users can enjoy, with the Buddy App being the first tech company to bring Beacon Technology to Australia. Restaurants will now have the opportunity to send/broadcast any special promotion they wish to buddy users devices as they walk right by the front door! Digitalising the physical world!